Sukkot & Autumn Touch Points

by Dana Rubin‑Winkelman, MSW, CAPSW, Social Worker, Adult Day Services

Please note: this article was written prior to Israel and Hamas signing the first stage of a peace plan on October 8, 2025. We are praying for peace and for the safe return of all the hostages. 

I hope you and your family are well. I am thinking of you and sending my positive thoughts. I hope to bridge the distance through this electronic connection.

October seems to kiss us “hello” with a slight chill in the air and cover the ground with a tapestry of burnt red, amber, and gold. Fall is also the perfect setting for warmth and reflection. It conjures up images of crunching leaves under your feet, a sweet cup of apple cider, cuddly oversized sweaters, and hot, comforting soup. In addition, the colors are gorgeous, the weather is perfect, and we celebrate many of our Jewish holidays.

October also conjures up many feelings as we celebrate the lovely holiday of Sukkot and the profoundly sad anniversary of October 7th. With much going on and a wide range of emotions and thoughts, I turned to Rabbi Steven Adams, Ovation Communities Director of Pastoral Care. I asked him for his Jewish understanding and insight. Rabbi Adams states, “The fall holidays are a time of great inspiration and a chance to celebrate nature. Coming just as the weather is changing is a reminder for us to change as well. While Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are designed to elevate our spirits, morals, and hopes for the future, Sukkot connects us to nature.”

“In 2023, at the end of Sukkot, while we were celebrating Simchat Torah – the joyous holiday on which we end the annual reading cycle in Deuteronomy and begin again in Genesis – a horror was unfolding in Israel. The day was October 7, and a brutal, barbaric attack was launched against a diverse group of innocent Israeli citizens. Some were in their homes near Gaza, while others were enjoying a peaceful dance festival. The militant group Hamas, who led this attack, also took many hostages – some of whom are still held in Gaza.”

“Since the attack, antisemitic incidents have increased worldwide. Most of us have not experienced anything like this in our lifetimes. Just being Jewish has made us victims. Yet, this is the time of year when we are reminded of the potential for things to change and encouraged to work for a better future. Sukkot reminds us how beautiful our world can be – and is meant to be.”

Thank you, Rabbi Adams. This helpful explanation and Jewish insight offer perspective and hope, especially now. As Rabbi Adams stated, “…this is a reminder of how beautiful our world can be…” So, let’s focus on ways to enjoy this glorious month and the marvelous holiday of Sukkot.

“Fall has always been my favorite season.
The time when everything bursts with its last beauty,
as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale.”
(Lauren DeStefano)

ENJOY THE BEAUTY OF AUTUMN AND SUKKOT

1. Experience the Healing and Grounding Benefits of Forest Bathing: Recently, during one of my support groups, we discussed the simple and therapeutic act of spending time in nature. Consequently, I wanted to introduce you to the calming practice of forest bathing. “What is forest bathing?” This Japanese practice is a process of relaxation, known in Japan as shinrin yoku. The simple method of being calm and quiet among the trees, observing nature around you whilst breathing deeply, can help both adults and children de-stress and boost health and wellbeing naturally.” (howlifeunfolds.com) Personally, this practice works wonders for me. Try spending time in a forest or enjoying the colorful foliage outside. You won’t regret it. Look below for ideas:

  • Where Are the Leaves at Peak Color? Milwaukee is estimated to be at its peak during the third week of October. Click here to find the best areas through The Wisconsin Color Report.

  • There are Endless Options and Scenic Trails to Enjoy! Each October, my family and I hike in the Kettle Moraine State Forest along the Ice Age Trail. I look forward to this outing all year long! The experience is invigorating, bonding, and healing. Click here for a variety of scenic trails.

  • Here are 11 Scenic Drives to Experience Fall in Wisconsin: If hiking is not in the cards right now, no worries! Wind your way through a scenic drive and marvel at the breathtaking views! Click here to plan your excursion.

  • Feel the Fall Vibes from Home: Watch this gorgeous video of our nation’s most beautiful fall destinations (5 minutes). See what fall is like across the United States. Have you seen any of the featured areas? In the future, where would you like to go? Someday, I would love to walk through Central Park in the fall. Beautiful!

“Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons.” (Jim Bishop)

2. Find Relaxation and Mindfulness in Autumn – Mindfulness can be a perfect defense when dealing with life’s challenges. “The fall season is a poignant reminder that the world around us is always changing. Although sometimes change is welcome, many times we prefer things to stay the same. We’re all rightfully skeptical of the unknown, but resisting change for too long can stunt our personal growth and spiritual development. Embrace the sights, sounds, and smells of autumn. By focusing your attention on the natural beauty of the season, you can approach decisions with a head clear of fear and doubt.” (Destress Monday)

Let fall be an opportunity to strive for peace. It’s amazing how a simple fall stroll and a tranquil attitude can improve one’s perspective.  Breathe in deeply, look at the natural beauty, and clear your mind. Feel renewed.

“Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go.” (author unknown)

3. Favorite Fall and Sukkot Food: Autumn food is full of comforting hot soups, pies, and spicy/sweet warm beverages. Here are some websites with nourishing recipes for your body and soul. I have already tried a few new soups, and I will be adding another pumpkin soup, too. If you aren’t a cook, satisfy your fall appetite with a steaming cup of apple cider and a cinnamon stick, or munch on a store-bought caramel apple.

“It looked like the world was covered in a cobbler crust of brown sugar and cinnamon.” (Sarah Addison Allen)

4. Enjoy Fall-Themed Songs: Autumn-themed music can be nostalgic – painting a gorgeous picture in your mind’s eye, and/or serving as inspiration. What’s your favorite?

  • Enjoy the Incredibly Radiant Voice of Nat King Cole Singing “The Autumn Leaves.” Maximize the screen so you can fully take in the variety of striking fall scenes. Click here for the (2-minute) video.

  • Melt into Billie Holiday’s “Autumn in New York” and enjoy the scrolling photos. This will touch your soul. Click here for the (4-minute) video.

  • “When October Goes” by Rosemary Clooney. This version is quite tender. Click here for the (4-minute) video:

“Every leaf speaks bliss to me / Fluttering from the autumn tree.” (Emily Brontë)

5. Brain Health and Wellness with a Fall Spark: Help your brain while you get into an autumn mood! Consistent brain health exercises are important to reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Just as you walk daily to benefit your heart, exercise your mind daily to improve your brain health. Enjoy the creative exercises below:

  • Fall Senses: Our senses are critical to interpreting the world; each sense provides distinct information. Use this exercise to stimulate your senses and improve your brain health. To begin, cue your brain by thinking about your favorite places to go or things to do in the fall. Visualize this beautiful season, then list five unique sounds of fall, five unique tastes of fall, five unique smells of fall, five touch/tactile senses of fall, and five new sights in fall.

  • Color Phrases: We use color in our everyday language. Using a color, list ten common phrases we use. Examples include “seeing red.”

“I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house.” (Nathaniel Hawthorne)

Before the weather becomes a little too nippy, let’s appreciate the splendor of this delightful, but fleeting time of year. I wish you a warm and healthy Sukkot. Fill your soul with the surrounding beauty and the connection of others.

Do you have a question related to aging, memory loss, community resources, or caregiving? I am here and happy to assist! Please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thinking of you and sending all my positive energy, light, and love,

Dana

Touch points - a spark of light with Dana 

Content may not be copied or reproduced in any form or by any means without Ovation Communities’ prior written consent, and with express attribution to Ovation Communities. Copyright infringement is a violation of federal law subject to criminal and civil penalties.

Categories: NewsTags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Share

Related Posts